Bertrand Russell was one of the greatest philosophers of our time. In addition, he engaged in a lifelong battle with the forces of injustice -- emphasizing the importance of practice as well as theory. His most effective weapon in this struggle was letters to newspapers and magazines, most of which are collected in this volume. Russell exposes the irrationality of leaders and defends the public against the evils of the time, from British conscription in World War I and fascism in the 1930s to McCarthyism in the 1950s and the Vietnam War in the 1960s. These 400 witty, acerbic letters show him brilliantly sparring with both ordinary citizens and the most powerful leaders of the day, touching on everything from war and peace to sexual ethics and religion.… (more)